On 15th May 2025, the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), officially commissioned its Western Regional Office in Mbarara City in the move to strengthen electricity regulation and enhance service delivery.
The new office is the third in a series of regional expansions, following the successful establishment of ERA’s Northern Regional Office in Gulu City and the Eastern Regional Office in Mbale City. This marks a critical milestone in ERA’s strategic plan to decentralize operations and bring regulatory services closer to key stakeholders in Uganda’s Electricity Supply Industry (ESI). The regional presence will improve responsiveness to consumer concerns, streamline compliance monitoring, and support investment facilitation within the western region.
Officiating at the launch on behalf of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, the ERA Board Chairperson, Dr. Sarah Wasagali Kanaabi, commended the Authority for its continued commitment to regulatory excellence and consumer protection. She further emphasized the importance of regional offices in strengthening policy implementation and accelerating sector reforms across the country.
The Member of Parliament for Mbarara City North Division, Hon. Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari, welcomed the development and called on ERA to use its presence in the region to strengthen collaboration with electricity service providers and security agencies to curb the rampant vandalism of electricity infrastructure a vice that poses economic and operational risks to the sector.
Speaking during the launch, ERA Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, reiterated the Authority’s commitment to delivering people-centered regulation. “The Mbarara Regional Office will enable timely response to on-ground issues, support more effective data gathering, and improve engagement with consumers and service providers. It is a testament to ERA’s proactive approach to localized service delivery and stakeholder inclusion,” she noted.
Located on Plot 7, Galt Road in Mbarara City, the new regional office will serve as a strategic hub for addressing regional electricity challenges, supporting ERA’s mandate to foster a robust, transparent, and sustainable electricity supply industry in Uganda.